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Bear captured in Highlands Ranch backyard

A bear that was hanging out in a backyard in Highlands Ranch Monday was tranquilized and captured by officials with Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

(PHOTO: Douglas County Sheriff's Office)

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office said in a tweet
that the bear was helping itself to snacks from a bird feeder.

(PHOTO: Douglas County Sheriff's Office)

According to tweets
from the sheriff's office, the bear was outside a home on Rock Hurst Drive, near Lucent Boulevard and Highlands Ranch Parkway.

(PHOTO: Douglas County Sheriff's Office)

"Just found out this is a healthy, yearling sow, and she has been relocated to the Pike National Forest," Denver7 Reporter Jaclyn Allen tweeted
at about 3:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, in the Castle Pines area several people reported seeing two bear cubs in backyards and crossing the street near Monarch Blvd and Tapadero Way.

(PHOTO: Allec Brust)

Douglas County searched for the cubs, but did not find them.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill said the sightings come at the beginning of a high activity season for bears, after they come out of hibernation and are looking for food.

"We need to make sure they are not habituated to humans and think that our territory is theirs," said Churchill, who recommended making loud noises to scare them away and not videotaping them for long periods of time.